Rayasi Eyeing a Spot in the Flying Fijians
Rayasi told SUNsports that he was waiting for the call from either New Zealand of Fiji, if they need his services.
Monday 22 April 2024 | 12:29
I would love to play for Fiji.
These were the words of Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi after their 38-15 win over the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in Suva, last Friday night.
“I was asked the question of eligibility during the captain’s run but if it comes, it comes,” he said.
Rayasi told SUNsports that he was waiting for the call from either New Zealand or Fiji, if they need his services.
“I’ve been waiting for three years for that call,” he said.
Rayasi plays equally well at fullback.
The former St Patrick’s College Silverstream student followed a dream of playing basketball professionally before turning his attention back to rugby, firstly linking up with Auckland in the New Zealand NPC (National Provincial Championship) before securing a Super Rugby contract with the Hurricanes.
He played for Wellington in 2016 before representing Auckland.
The 1.94m, 105kg speedster has developed into one of the most promising young backs in New Zealand since he made his debut for the Hurricanes in 2019.
Rayasi made his All Blacks sevens debut in 2018 at the Hong Kong Sevens, and in 2019 was a finallist for the Duane Monkley Medal for Player of the Mitre 10 Cup.
Rayasi also played for Moana Pasifika against the Maori All Blacks in 2020.
“Growing up I’ve always watched the Flying Fijians, the Fiji sevens especially when Ta (dad) played here as well,” Rayasi said.
“Good stories, good memories and if given the opportunity to represent Fiji, I’d say why not.”
Rayasi said they were expecting a tough outing with the Drua team and they were happy to come out with the win.
“We’ll go back and work on our discipline, we got carried away with the battle.”
“One yellow card is risky but three yellow cards against the Drua in Fiji, you are asking for trouble,” he said.
“If there’s one team who can score two tries in 5 minutes, yes it’s the Drua.”
Rayasi said that the atmosphere for rugby in Fiji is just unbelievable.
“Back in New Zealand, we were talking about how this experience is different from the others.
“Sometimes only 5000 would turn up to watch us, but here in Suva, this feeling you cannot replicate it,” he said.
The Hurricanes will face the Brumbies in this weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Feedback: josua.buredua@fijisun.com.fj
